Press Coverage October 2019

that’s also part of the Valley- the loop’s east leg, hovers above golf This Cave Creek circumnavigating that communities and ranches backed by hiking trail has connects all 10 county parks. the commanding form of Black Mountain and the distant blade-like pinnacles The ascent is mitigated by long . and quartz along its switchbacks cut from foothills that swing around desert trees and A final swing on cliffs above a deep loop saguaro-cluttered bends. The first gorge leads hikers through sunny Mare Czinar, big views are revealed after less than range land where the Quartz and Special for The Republic a mile of uphill trudging. Sloping Jasper trails spin off for optional Published 7:00 a.m. MT Oct. 31, canyon walls frame hazy patterns of geology-themed side trips or a 2019 downtown Phoenix and the jagged shorter loop for young kids.

silhouettes of the Hieroglyphic Situated in a hilly slice of desert just Mountains west of the Valley. a few miles east of Interstate 17,

Cave Creek Regional Park is bordered by an eclectic brew of subdivisions, strip malls, nature preserves and national forest.

Somehow, the seemingly mismatched adjacencies blend into a Scaly rock formations at Gunsight Pass on the Go sort of extended back yard for North John Loop. (Photo: Mare Czinar/Special for The Valley outdoor recreation. Replete Republic) with the standard amenities of Cholla cactus frames views of the Cave Creek Go John Trail suburban patio life, the family- Mountains. (Photo: Mare Czinar/Special for The friendly park has a nature center, Republic) Length: 5.8-mile loop. frequent workshops and events, Rating: Moderate to difficult. The west leg tops out at a saddle picnic ramadas, restrooms, water, Elevation: 2,088-2,520 feet. where the first of several benches playground, horse staging area and Admission: $7 per vehicle. offers a place to enjoy glimpses of camping. the Cave Creek Mountains and the But beyond the grills and easy Getting there: 37900 E. Cave Creek distinctive pachyderm profile of interpretive trails, there are plenty of Parkway, Cave Creek. From Carefree Elephant Mountain appears to the ways to escape into the wild end of Highway in Cave Creek, go 1.5 miles north. the 2,922-acre site. north on 32nd Street to the park A large clearing on the saddle makes entry gate. Follow the main park a good spot to take a breather before Of the eight trails in Cave Creek road to the Go John trailhead. continuing on the less steep Regional Park, Go John is the segments that complete the classic. As the core loop in the park’s Details: maricopacountyparks.org/ca loop. The route dips and climbs 14-plus-mile trail system, the ve-creek. through shaded drainages, washes moderate-rated hike explores some Read more of Mare Czinar's hikes and ridges lined with outcroppings of the most remote and scenic at arizonahiking.blogspot.com. of vertically tilted metamorphic corners of the property. rocks that shed in thin sheets,

coating the ground in glinting tile- The beautiful thing about loop hikes 100 miles' challenge like scales. like this one is the continually begins changing views and Go John delivers Oct 31, 2019 Adding to the interesting geology are the goods in far-reaching vistas, Fountain Hills Times deposits of white quartz that show cloistered passages, a variety of up as scattered pebbles and artfully geological features and rich plant veined boulders near defunct mining communities. operations.

To get the major climbing done first, About halfway through the hike, begin the loop at the north trail sign Gunsight Pass, a high point with where the route dives right into the bizarre blade-like rock pinnacles on zig-zagging western leg of the loop Page 1

Press Coverage October 2019

and search for “MC parks 100 miles to know our diverse regional park in 100 days.” Here, participants can system and jump-start the outdoor share milestones, find hiking season in Maricopa County,” buddies, seek out trail Maricopa County Parks and recommendations, post photos and Recreation Department Director, join in on upcoming activities. The R.J. Cardin said. page is managed by the department’s interpretive rangers, who have also While the Challenge initially started developed fitness hikes to help out as an centennial challenge participants reach their celebration, it has become an annual program and personal goals. program. Maricopa County’s Parks and Last year, 31 of the 410 individuals Recreation Department is preparing To learn more about the challenge that completed the Challenge logged for the launch of their annual 100 and how to become eligible for the at least 200 miles. If that wasn’t Miles in 100 Days Challenge on grand prize drawing of an annual impressive enough, one mountain Friday, Nov. 1. park pass ($85 value) and $25 Nature biker logged nearly 1,300-miles, Center retail voucher (total value not according to the parks department. “With an inventory of nearly 600- to exceed $110), miles of trails, we know that our visit maricopacountyparks.net. Visit parks and trails are a huge draw for the “Things to do” section, then residents and visitors,” said R.J. click on "Specialty Programs" and Cardin, Maricopa County Parks select the 100 Miles in 100 Days and Recreation Department Challenge. The Maricopa County director. “The 100 Miles in 100 Days Parks site is also where participants Challenge is a great way to get to can peruse a list of parks and look know our diverse regional park up additional information. system and jump-start the outdoor season in Maricopa County.” The program runs through 4 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2020. Celebrations While the Challenge initially started to recognize those who complete the out as an Arizona Centennial challenge have been scheduled at celebration, it has become an annual seven of the county’s regional parks program. The goal of the program is for Saturday, March 7, 2020. In to log 100 miles in 100 days. Last addition, everyone who completes year, 31 of the 410 individuals that the challenge will receive a limited completed the challenge logged at edition tee-shirt at the celebration. least 200 miles. One mountain biker Pictured: Views from the Cave Creek Regional Park, which is a part of the county’s trail system and the managed to log nearly 1,300 miles. Maricopa County 100 Miles in 100 Days Challenge. (Photos by Tara Alatorre) Collectively, those who completed Parks challenge the challenge logged 55,281 miles on “With an inventory of nearly 600 county trails. To put things into participants to trek miles of trails, we know that our perspective, participants traveled the hundreds of miles parks and trails are a huge draw for distance around the circumference October 30, 2019 residents and visitors,” Cardin said. of the Earth more than twice. FoothillsFocus Collectively, those who completed “The challenge kicks off on Nov. 1 PHOENIX – The Maricopa the Challenge logged 55,281 miles and we already have more than 600 County’s Parks and Recreation on county trails. To put things into eager participants registered,” Cardin Department will launch its annual perspective, participants traveled the added. 100 Miles in 100 Days Challenge on distance around the circumference Knowing that it can be somewhat Friday, November 1. The goal of the of the Earth more than twice. difficult to stay motivated during the program is to log 100 miles in 100 “The Challenge kicks-off on holiday season, the department days on county trails. November 1, and we already have offers a community page on “The 100 Miles in 100 Days more than 600 eager participants Facebook. Visit the social media site Challenge is a great way to get to get registered,” added Cardin.

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So lace up your hiking boots or Hikers and runners need to hike or Knowing that it can be somewhat running shoes, dust off the run 100 miles to complete the difficult to stay motivated during the mountain bikes, and saddle up those challenge. holiday season, the department horses because the 100 Miles in 100 offers a community page on Days Challenge begins soon. Mountain bikers and horseback Facebook. Here, participants can riders need to log 200 miles to share milestones, find hiking To learn more about the hiking complete the challenge. Parks and buddies, seek out trail challenge and how you can become Recreation's website describes how recommendations, post photos and eligible for the grand prize drawing to do a combination of activities. join in on fun activities. visit: https://www.maricopacountyparks. People who complete the challenge The social media page is managed net/things-to-do/activity/100-miles- can be entered to win an Annual by the department’s interpretive in-100-days-challenge/. For a list of Pass and $25 Retail Center voucher. rangers who have also developed County parks and additional Register at this site to join the fitness hikes to help participants information, visit challenge. Log miles with the "100 reach their program and personal maricopacountyparks.net. Mile Challenge" app, an electronic goals. log form or a hard copy.

The program runs through 4 p.m. on Could you hike 100 Miles must be completed on Saturday, February 8, 2020. miles in 100 days? Maricopa County trails. See more Celebrations to recognize those who rules here. complete the Challenge have been Join this challenge scheduled at seven of the County’s to prove it. regional parks for Saturday, March 7, The Maricopa County challenge encourages Local Roundup: 2020. hikers, trail runners, bicyclists and Cycling league close horseback riders to get out and enjoy the trails. to end as NPA, Author: 12 News Flagstaff lead local Published: 6:25 PM MST October 26, 2019 teams SUN SPORTS STAFF Updated: 6:25 PM MST October 26, Oct 23, 2019 2019 Arizona Daily Sun

Now that mild temperatures have Northland Prep finished sixth and again arrived in Maricopa County, Flagstaff seventh in Sunday's race at you can get out and take advantage of hundreds of miles of trails. McDowell Mountain Regional Park, the second-to-last installment

of the Arizona Interscholastic The Maricopa County Parks and Cycling League season. Recreation Department is

challenging you to hike, run, bike or Both of Division I, Northland Prep ride more than 100 miles in 100 scored 3,767 points behind the days. strong performance of a few

younger riders while Flagstaff tallied There are nearly 600 miles of trails The Go John Trail at the Cave Creek 3,642 also with the help of a youth maintained by the Maricopa County Regional Park. movement at the race in Fountain Parks and Recreation Department. Hills. Nasdaq 100 Futures Look Bullish, In addition, everyone who completes Interactive Brokers' Sosnick Says the challenge will receive a limited Also a D-I program, Basis Flagstaff edition shirt at the celebration. came away with a team finish of The details of the 2020 challenge Participants are also eligible for a ninth place, while D-II Coconino were released. The challenge starts at grand prize drawing of an annual ended its outing in a two-way tie for 6 a.m., Nov. 1, 2019, and ends Feb. park pass ($85 value) and $25 Nature 12th. 8, 2020. Center retail voucher.

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Press Coverage October 2019

Freshman Hayden Saltonstall Trey Kettering and James Shroufe West Phillips Road in Queen Creek, recorded a team-high 530 points each had 12th-place outcomes in includes basic breathing techniques with his second-place finish in the their races to lead Coconino. and poses. Boys JV1 North Conference race with a time of 1:10:18.86 for BOYS SOCCER It’s a great option for beginners, and Northland Prep. Teammates Miles The Northland Prep Spartans boys a fun way to get your nature fix Mokelke, a sophomore, and Nick soccer team finished its regular without spending hours in hiking Barrantes, a junior, finished in fifth season on Wednesday with a loss to mode. The 5 to 6 p.m. class on and seventh, respectively, in the the Chino Valley Cougars, a team Thursday, October 24, is free with same race. Meanwhile, freshman Ava that resides in the Central Region your $7 vehicle entry fee to the park. Loxley took 10th in the Girls JV1 along with NPA. Wear comfortable clothing and bring race in 1:00:50.49 for 467 points. a water bottle. You’ll also need a The No. 15-ranked Spartans, after yoga mat, plus a towel or blanket for Northland Prep sits at fifth in the the 5-0 loss in the regular-season some extra padding. Lynn Trimble overall series standings heading in to finale, ended with a 4-10 overall the season finale, which takes place record and a 2-4 mark in region play. on Nov. 3 in Waddell at the White Vulture Mountain Tank Mountain Regional Park. Last season Northland Prep went 4- Recreation Area Flagstaff sits in eighth in the series 9-1 overall and 2-3-1 in region standings, and Basis Flagstaff 10th. action. coming; work set to start next year A pair of Flagstaff freshmen Oct 16, 2019 provided some big points for their The Best Things to By Shawn Byrne team as they finished in the top five Do in Metro Phoenix Wickenburg Sun Editor of their respective events. Mackenzie Spillman came away with the bronze This Week When the 1,045-acre Vulture CARA PENCAK, LYNN in the Girls Freshman race for 481 gets up TRIMBLE, CHRIS Mountain Recreation Area points on a time of 57:54.38, and and running with all the promised COPLAN | OCTOBER 23, Travis Corcoran added a fourth- amenities by Maricopa County Parks 2019 | 6:00AM place result in the Boys Freshman and Recreation Department, there Phoenix New Times North Conference race for 472 will be plenty of excitement to go points with a time of 50:49.29. around.

Flagstaff was led by Wyatt Horner's The project that was born in 2006 sixth-place finish in the Boys Varsity has a few more years to go before it race that was good for 531 points, reaches completion. Maricopa clocking a 1:33:01.36. Also taking County Parks Operations Manager sixth and coming away as Flagstaff's Jenn Waller told the Wickenburg second leader in points was Ellie Leadership Institute on Oct. 1 the Thompson, who crossed the finish parks department is hoping for line of the Girls JV1 race in 57:57.33 2024-2025. for 496 points. Nature meets yoga. “Fingers crossed,” Waller said. “We Freshman Remi Drogi notched a Maricopa County Parks and have to stay in front of the Board of first-place finish for Basis Flagstaff, Recreation Supervisors on this. That’s what we as did teammate Logan Bonn, to Sunset Yoga in the Park at San Tan do.” lead the team in points with strong Mountain Regional Park The operations manager is not performances in their respective It’s no coincidence that some yoga going to let Vulture Mountain leagues. Freshman Zoe Lee finished poses take inspiration from nature. Recreation Area fall to the wayside. eighth in her Girls Freshman race, Practicing yoga outdoors is infinitely and freshman Gabriel Drogi was more satisfying than on a mat in the “I’ve worked on this project for a ninth in his race. middle of your living room, and you very long time,” Waller said. “You don’t need any experience to enjoy cannot give up, and you cannot stop it. Sunset Yoga in the Park at San and say it’s not going to happen. I Tan Mountain Regional Park, 6533 was literally in tears on some days.”

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Phase Four, the final phase and in The act of actual moving dirt is the South Lease Area, will be getting closer to happening after the constructed for a formalized access signing of the Recreation and Public road, group camping, picnicking, Purposes (R&PP) lease between training and staging areas for off- Maricopa County Board of highway vehicles and host sites. Supervisors and Bureau of Land Management in March. “We have a contractor on board that is doing the designs, and they are 95 “To have the board with another percent complete with that,” Waller agency, a federal agency, to want a said. “We hope to have final formality of the signing – that was a construction documents so we can big deal,” Waller said. “In my hire a contractor and start building.” lifetime of working for the county for 20-some odd years, I had not seen that.” BOGO camping promotion returns Phase I of the four-phase project is expected to start in fall 2020. This to Maricopa County phase of work concerns making The Go John Trail at the Cave Creek Regional Parks Park. (Photo by Tara Alatorre) roads and installing the park’s utility October 16, 2019 Tara Alatorre infrastructure. Foothills Focus To receive the free night, park

visitors must contact the call center “We have to do the park PHOENIX –Maricopa County’s at 602-506-2930 (ext. 1). infrastructure first as the roads are Parks and Recreation Department Reservations booked online or going in so we don’t have to dig the has brought back the popular Buy before the August 29, launch of the roads up twice,” Waller said. “We One, Get One (BOGO) camping promotion are not eligible. can put in pipes, lines, and APS for promotion. power. At that time, we’ll be asking “While this promotion is not valid the Board of Supervisors for “The Board takes a lot of pride in for reservations made online, I’d like funding.” our park system because it gives to remind park visitors that they can residents and visitors the still book their spring visit up to six Part of Phase I will be rerouting opportunity to experience the beauty months prior to arrival via our Vulture Mine Road where the big of the Sonoran Desert,” said reservation system,” Maricopa “S” curve, or “Deadman’s Curve” as Chairman Bill Gates, Maricopa County Parks, and Recreation some are want to call it, is currently County Board of Supervisors, Director R.J. Cardin said. and straightening that part of the District 3. road. Cardin explained further: “The The BOGO promotion is valid for system allows visitors to take virtual Phase Two will be in the North stays booked between October 1, tours of the campsites, view Lease Area and include day-use and November 10, 2019, allowing campsite specifications and reserve structures such as a nature center park visitors who pay the camping their favorite spots from their that will have a learning environment fee for one night or more, to receive computers and mobile devices. “ for children, places for classes and one night of equal or lesser value for weddings, an amphitheater, and a free during that same stay. nature playground. Maracay pays “The promotion is a great way to Phase Three will include encourage county residents to visit $8.43M for 75 lots construction for the Vulture Peak the parks and enjoy nature. Plus, the in Goodyear Campground, tent camping, and an nature-themed playgrounds found REAL ESTATE | 15 Oct | AZ equestrian and group camp area. The throughout the park system provide BUSINESS MAGAZINE campground is expected to have 80 a safe and educational environment sites. for kids to connect with nature,” Maracay, a wholly-owned company Chairman Gates said. of the TRI Pointe Group (NYSE: TPH), has closed on 75 premium

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homesites located inside the Sedella 303 freeway, and a number of Morristown, and the Box Canyon community at the northwest corner highly-rated public and charter map covers the north-northwest area of Indian School and Citrus roads schools, including the new Belen of Wickenburg. in Goodyear, Arizona. The Soto Elementary School located transaction totaled $8.43 million inside the masterplan. In addition, The Herculean effort of dollars. the Sedella community is near a documenting the trail numbers was a variety of shopping, entertainment, collaboration of six governmental The parcel of finished lots will be sports and live music venues. agencies and many hours spent by developed into a new, gated, single- volunteers. Wickenburg Chamber of family home neighborhood featuring For more information on Maracay, Commerce, U.S. Bureau of Land all single-story homes, ranging from visit www.MaracayHomes.com. Management, Arizona State Land approximately 2,695 to 4,347 square Department, and Maricopa County feet. Select floor plans will offer Parks and Recreation attached RV garage options for Advisory members Department joined the two Town recreational vehicles. Maracay look to woo visitors of Wickenburg entities in developing anticipates sales for this community the Wickenburg Regional Map will begin in the second half of 2020. with trails map System. The cash transaction did not require Oct 9, 2019 a broker as it was completed directly By Shawn Byrne The maps are filled with information between Maracay and Meritage Wickenburg Sun Editor including types of trails (motorized, Homes, which will complete the non-motorized), land status, remaining land improvements before There are plenty of trails for hikers, elevation, and landmarks. delivering the finished lots to bicyclists, horseback riders and Maracay. The homesites are part of ATVers, and the Town of When studying the Vulture Peak the final residential phase of the 638- Wickenburg wants to get the word map, a clear division can be seen acre Sedella community, engineered out that the open space with between trails for motorized use and by Cardno. hundreds of miles of trails in the those for hikers, bicyclists, and surrounding area makes for a great horseback riders. The trails on west “This transaciton will allow Maracay reason to visit. side of Vulture Mine Road are to offer new homes in the last gated recommended exclusively for parcel in the Sedella master plan,” The Recreation and Natural ATVers. said Jason Weber, Maracay’s vice Resources Department and the “Motorcyclists and ATVers have president of land acquisitions and Trails Advisory Commission have torn that area up,” said Joe Stevens, development. “Since it is so close to gone through a painstaking, four- chair of the Town of Wickenburg the White , Lake year process to map the open spaces Trails Advisory Commission. “We Pleasant, Imperial Sand Dunes and a around Wickenburg to not only woo thought we would let them keep number of national parks, Maracay visitors, but to let people already that. Then, hopefully, they could will offer RV garage options to using the trails have more leave the non-motorized trails accommodate an active outdoor information. alone.” lifestyle.” “We’re hoping this is an invitation,” Economy A master-planned community, said Tonya Forbrook, manager of The trail system has the opportunity outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate Natural Resources and Recreation. to give people another reason to Sedella’s extensive amenities, “We do have local folks who ask all make Wickenburg a destination. A including ramadas with barbecues, the time, ‘when can I see the map?’ detailed map of the hundreds of play structures, paved trails and Some people know of three or four miles that comprise the surrounding sports courts. Not to mention the locations and how to get there, but trail system can show people how close proximity to Skyline Regional nothing else.” much riding and exploring they can Park and White Tank Mountain do here. Regional Park, both of which offer The map that is going to be available trails for hiking, biking and to the public in the next week or so Maricopa County will be leasing horseback riding. is the first of three maps. The map 1,046 acres on the west side of to be released is the Vulture Peak Vulture Mine Road from BLM and Homeowners at Sedella have easy map, with the San Domingo and will incorporate that into its parks access to the Interstate10 and Loop Box Canyon maps to follow. The and recreation system. The county San Domingo map goes to Page 6

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reported in its master plan it would Town of Wickenburg and the Gateway to the Grand Canyon, develop about 98 acres of that total Wickenburg Chamber of Commerce. Arizona is known for its rustic as part of a four-phase project. beauty and the mile-deep chasm “That is literally the cost to print created by the Colorado River. The first phase was the Hassayampa them,” Forbrook said. “Once this Sitting on the flipside of Nevada and Rest Area and Hassayampa River round is done, we’ll have the funds California, this state has some of the Preserve visitor center. The other for the next run.” best desert landscape, which includes phases in the plan included Vulture the Saguaro National Park. Peak and off-highway vehicle day It’s hopeful that the San Domingo use areas, a campground, and and Box Canyon maps will be ready For those who don’t know it, many backcountry services such as water for sale sometime during the winter. legends and folklores consider well developments and trail stops. The goal is to get them both offered Sedona as one of the most powerful for sale, but if only one can be vortexes and its proximity to the Maricopa County reported in 2011 logistically ready, it will probably be Crown Chakra of Earth – Mt Shasta its magnitude cost in totality to be an Box Canyon because the public uses in California, makes visiting the duo, investment of nearly $29 million. the north-northwest area, especially a must-do pilgrimage. Sophie’s Flat, more. Even before the county’s investment is completed in its entirety, the trail “We just need to make sure we have system with the maps documenting the budget for one or both maps,” it could be a healthy economic Forbrook said. “If these sell out in benefit for Wickenburg. two weeks, that is going to tell us a lot.” “This is also part of the economic enhancement idea of bringing people There will be 200 copies of the to town,” Stevens said. “Here is Vulture Peak map printed in the first Moving on to the hiking trails in where you can ride. This will help run. Arizona, the good news is that you people to know where to go and can easily hike the trails all year what to look for.” Another next step for the map round. Choose from the Sonoran system is to get it digitized and Desert to the Grand Canyon to the Education interactive on social media and the Petrified National Park, however you A major component of the map is internet. must pick your trail according to that it is also designed to educate. your proficiency, as there are several On the backside of the map there is “We’re pretty excited about this,” hikes that can be dangerous. information regarding who the Forbrook said. “It’s taken a long Town of Wickenburg is and its process.” Unprepared hikers are the ones who history, the current state and history get affected the most, especially if of the trail system, how to recreate in you don’t factor in the extreme heat the outdoors responsibly, and other Arizona Hiking warning. Even seasoned hikers are activities that are available in the Trails – an overview known to sometimes disregard the area. heat warnings and thinking that an of the difficult and extra bottle of water will help, is “Education is another option for the easy insanity. Just know that if there are trying to provide for everyone,” By Radhika Seth October 4, 2019 some red flags announced by the Forbrook said. “BLM wants us to Dlmag.com authorities – usually updated on the push education and the state wants websites and trail apps – respect the us to push it. We even have the warnings and don’t hike. ‘Code of the West,’” which is a pledge for users in which they Do the Difficult promise to be courteous and ethical If you are a seasoned hiker then while using the trail system. some of the hardest trails that can challenge you, include the South The cost for a Vulture Peak map will Mountain Alta Trail, The Piestewa be $12, which will be sold by the Peak Summit Trail, Echo Canyon Trail (), Cholla

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Trail (Camelback Mountain) and Horse, Fay Canyon, Broken Arrow, the choices are endless. But it’s Ridgeline Trail (Superstition West Fork, Doe Mountain Trail, essential that you carry something Wilderness). Apart from the trails’ Huckaby and Boynton Canyon Trail. with you, that will help you start a terrain, elevation and approach, Be sure to carry a small lightweight fire – should the need arise. some of these routes are difficult due flashlight with extra batteries, to the time taken to walk them and sunscreen, glasses, hat, a map The First Aid Kit is a no-brainer, so the snakes (among other wild life). compass, signal mirror and water I won’t even quantify this with an purification tablets. elaborate explanation. Do remember to include insect repellent and Start early to avoid the afternoon antidotes to itchy plants and sun and keep an eye on the weather. crawlies. Most importantly, educate yourself on the creepy crawlies that you can Multi Tool or Army Knife expect to find on the trail you are I always carry my Porsche Design about to take. Army Knife on every trip outdoors, including business trips and While on the topic of what-to-carry, vacations. You never know when Hikers also find the follwing as some let me elaborate a little on this. It is a you may want to cut an apple or of the most scenic trails: Superstition good idea to equip yourself with mend a tent. A good multi-tool Wilderness Area, close to Apache some essentials, and even if you should include a knife, scissor, Junction city, McDowell Sonoran know what to carry, use this as your needle, tweezer and toothpick. Preserve – it is the largest urban park check-list. in the United States, South Mountain Although smartphones are equipped Park and Preserve – designated as a Tent with maps and navigational guides, Phoenix Point of Pride, White It’s is always a good idea to carry a it’s a good idea to carry a small Tank Mountain Regional Park – basic tent, even though you may compass and GPS tracking device. called ‘white’ thanks to want to do only a day trip. It’s always Apart from these, a handy rain jacket the white granite cliffs surrounding a lot hotter and sunny during the and toilet paper are some of the it, Sunrise Peak, Usery Mountain afternoons, so in case you intend to essentials that you may want to Regional Park and Phon D Sutton rest during that time, you could pitch consider. Recreation Area. a tent and relax for a bit in the shade. The Easy Trails in Arizona A Well Prepared Hike Of all the places, if I had to pick, I’d Sleeping Bag first try out Sedona, and one of the If you intend to stay the night best times to visit here is from outdoors, then a sleeping bag is a March to May as the temperatures must-have. At night, the are warm. After May, it can get temperatures can drop drastically, so scorching hot, so the next window factor this in. Moreover, creepy- of opportunity comes in September crawlies can be kept at bay while you to November, when the weather gets snuggle into your bag for some mild. The area is in full bloom in the peaceful winks. Soldiers Pass Trail – located at Oak earlier part of the year and hikers Creek Canyon in Sedona, entry to prefer this time this season. Water Filter this trail is free. You should try and

Some of the trails in Arizona feature see the seven natural pools during It is advisable wear well-fitting and natural springs or lakes, and you may the rainy season and enjoy the views. broken-in lightweight hiking boots. I get tempted to refill your bottle with once did the mistake of hiking in a some water. To avoid bacterial Robbers Roost Trail – another easy new pair of boots, not only did I get infections and bugs, its best to use a train in Sedona, the entry to this blisters on the back of my feet, I had portable filter or water purification location is also free. One of the damaged my big toenails due to the tablets. reasons why hikers like this trail is compression of the toe-box area. the beautiful views that you can get

Fire Starter and First Aid Kit from the cave. Robbers used to hide The hikes recommended around Waterproof matches, flint, cigarette in the caves from ranchers. Sedona include Soldiers Pass, Little lighter or a magnesium fire starter,

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Horseshoe Bend Trail – located at rains have made our team more Page, these is an entry fee that each comfortable about lifting the fire vehicle must pay to access this trail. ban.” After hiking only 1.5 miles, you will be privy to the spectacular horseshoe The ban has been in place since May bend. Those who want to, can 1, earlier than usual, because of explore the horseshoe-shaped conditions that increased the risk of canyon by kayaking. brush fires. Typically, the ban begins around The other easy trails to consider Memorial Day. But a heavy rainy include Phoenix Sonoran Preserve, season last winter led to an Aspen Nature Loop and the Birthing abundance of vegetation, which Cave, which have no entry fee. The became a potential tinderbox when it West Fork Trail in Sedona is an easy dried out. hike too, but you will need to pay an entry fee. The ban covered the 11 Maricopa County parks: Lake Pleasant Before you fancy a swim at any Regional Park, White Tank locations, be sure to check for recent Mountain Regional Park, Adobe updates and potential hazard and be Dam Regional Park, Buckeye Hills sure to respect the environment too. Regional Park, Estrella Mountain Regional Park, San Tan Mountain Regional Park, Usery Mountain Gather ’round the Regional Park, McDowell Mountain fire: Maricopa Regional Park, Cave Creek Regional Park, Spur Cross Ranch County parks burn Conservation Area and Hassayampa ban to end River Preserve. BY KEVIN STONE OCTOBER 3, 2019 AT 4:05 AM Cardin noted that should conditions change in a way that elevates the PHOENIX – Break out the s’mores. threat of brush fires, additional restrictions could be enforced. Visitors to Phoenix-area recreation sites will be able to gather around “If wind conditions or other factors the fire starting next week, when the become a problem, the park annual burn ban will be lifted. supervisors may issue a temporary fire ban to ensure park and visitor Starting Oct. 9, the use of campfires, safety,” he said. fire pits and charcoal grills will be permitted at Maricopa County As a bonus, if you’re planning to Parks and Recreation camp out at a county parks, you can Department parks. take advantage of a deal that started this week offering two nights for the “With the cooler temperatures and price of one through Nov. 10. several schools on fall break, we know park visitors are eager to include a family barbecue and campfire as part of their festivities in the parks,” R.J. Cardin, department director, said in a press release.

“While this has been an extremely dry monsoon season for the state, the cooler temperatures and recent

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